These Delaware blizzards really took their toll on the state, crippling infrastructure, destroying the beaches, and leaving lasting impressions on everyone who witnessed their impressive power. Have you heard tales of the early 20th century blizzards or do you remember the most recent winter storms in Delaware?

1. The Blizzard of 1888
Delaware Public Archives
The Great Blizzard of 1888 from March 11 – March 14 was one of the most severe blizzards in our country's history. The "Great White Hurricane" completely paralyzed the East Coast. Snowfall amounts of 20-60 inches fell in Delaware, New Jersey, New York City, and New England. Telegraph infrastructure was down from Washington, D.C. to Boston — effectively isolating cities, towns, and states. More than 200 ships were grounded or wrecked, including many along the Delaware coast. More than 400 people died in the horrific blizzard that winter in Delware.

Visit this webpage to learn more about this storm.
2. Christmas Blizzard of 1909
Delaware Public Archives
Christmas Eve, 1901 was a sunny day that hit 40 degrees, and hopes of a White Christmas were seemingly gone. Overnight, however, a storm developed along the coast and from December 25-26th, nearly two feet of snow fell from Maryland, up through Philadelphia, and into New England. The northeast corridor was paralyzed for days. Transportation lines were so jammed up that the price of milk soared to an astronomical 15 cents for days following the storm.

Visit this webpage to learn more about this storm.
3. The Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962
Delaware Department of Transportation
One of the worst natural disasters in Delaware history occurred on Ash Wednesday in 1962. During the first week of March that year, the weather forecast was calling for some rain and some clear days. By Monday night, forecasters began to call for a mild Nor'easter. By daybreak Tuesday, meteorologists became aware that something historic was brewing. The storm rolled in quickly and did not clear out until Friday. Massive flooding devastated the Delaware coast and inland towns, and the "Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962" was the single most destructive storm in Delaware history.

Read our previous article to learn more about this storm.

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4. Winter Storm "Jonas," January 2016
Flickr / Jeffrey
A strong nor'easter hit Delaware and the surrounding states in January, 2016. It caused massive flooding along the bay and in Lewes, and a man in Magnolia died. It was one of the first winter storms to be unofficially named (by the Weather Channel), and Winter Storm Jonas certainly left an impression on the state.

Visit this webpage to learn more about this storm.
5. The Christmas Storm of 2009
Wikimedia Commons
A century after the 1909 Christmas Storm, Delawareans were snowed in again! Over a foot of snow fell in the first state, and kids everywhere delighted in being able to enjoy a white Christmas that winter in Delaware.
6. The Back-to-Back Storms of February, 2010
Flickr / Jeffrey
February 2010 was a wonderful month for snow lovers. From February 5th through February 10th, we were hit by two historic blizzards, beginning with one of the most destructive storms to ever dump snow in Delaware. 20-35 inches fell from Virginia up to New Jersey, crippling travel and even stopping rail service. Just a few days later, another storm came up the coast and dropped another foot or more of snow throughout the region, from Washington, DC to New York City.

Read our previous article to learn more about the 2010 winter in Delaware.
7. The Blizzard of 1996
Wikimedia Commons
Twenty years before Winter Storm Jonas, an almost identical storm dropped several feet of snow over the Northeast. Some areas of Delaware were hit particularly hard, and the beaches experienced record flooding. It reminded many of the Blizzard of 1993, just three years prior, and the snow drifts were astronomical that winter in Delaware.

Visit this webpage to learn more about this storm.

While all of these winter storms in Delaware were horrific, none were quite like that Ash Wednesday storm. To see some photos and hear more of how the storm destroyed the Delaware coast, read A Terrifying, Deadly Storm Struck Delaware In 1962… And No One Saw It Coming

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Winter Storms In Delaware

Melissa M. | October 11, 2021

What were some of the worst natural disasters in Delaware?

As a coastal state, Delaware is prone to hurricanes and there have been a few of these major storms that have wreaked havoc on the state. In 2011, Hurricane Irene made landfall causing statewide flooding, power outages, and even a tornado that damaged at least 17 homes. Over 10 inches of rain fell in some parts of the state and two people died. Hurricane Sandy caused plenty of death and destruction along the northeastern seaboard in 2012. While the storm hit just north of Delaware in New Jersey, the state wasn’t immune to damage. In some areas, nearly 11 inches of rain fell and caused record flooding. Thousands of people lost power as well. 

What is the record for snowfall in Delaware?

The winter storm that occurred on February 7, 2010 caused a record snowfall of 28 inches, as measured in central Delaware. 

What is winter in Delaware like?

Winter in Delaware can be cold, snowy, and windy with an average daily high of 50°F. The coldest month is January with an average low of 28°F. While it can be cold and snowy, the state offers plenty of beauty and things to do in the winter. Try winter camping at a place like Killens Pond State Park which offers gorgeous trails and heated cabins. You may also want to consider visiting a charming Delaware town that has a different feel in the winter than at any other time of year. 

 

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